It was new comic book day yesterday which brought us the first new day of comics (sort of, long story). What’d folks get? What’d you enjoy? Sound off below!
While you decide, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web below.
It’s the last day of 2015! It was new comic book day yesterday. What’d everyone get? We’re gearing up for our new year festivities which run throughout the day tomorrow.
Until then, here’s some comic book news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.
Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling short reviews from the staff of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full review for. These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews.
Alex
Huck #1 is fantastic. This is an innocent tale of hope and the inherent goodness of one man; that it comes from the man behind Kick-Ass surprises me greatly. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
The Saga Of The Jack Of Spades is the first issue in a successfully funded Indiegogo project aimed toward a young adult audience. Featuring a story that’s centered around four kingdoms based of the four suits in a deck of cards. It’s a unique concept that is executed fairly well, but fell a little short when it came to really drawing me into the comic. Maybe the next issue will do that, though. You can find a bit more information about the comic here, and it’s worth checking out when you’ve got a chance. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read
Brett
Action Comics #46: Just so bad. I know there’s a big picture here, but something is so off with this Superman series, and Superman as a whole. Overall Rating: 6 Recommendation: Pass
BPRD Hell on Earth #137: Consistently entertaining, this series really ups the action and intrigue as the BPRD makes a move against New York with the US Navy. Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation: Read
Codename Baboushka #2: A fun spy comic with lots of action. The art is a little off at times, but the story is fun as all hell. If you like your Bond light and full of action, this kick-ass woman will fit your needs. Overall Rating: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
Descender #7: The latest issue sets this series in a bit of a new direction by introducing some new characters. It also has a moment that actually caught me off-guard. And the art! Absolutely beautiful to look at. Each issue delivers and one of the best series on the market. Overall Rating: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: I just know the movie, so compared to that, this is a great adaptation. The art captures the manic and over the top events. For fans of Thompson, this is a must get. Overall Rating: 9 Recommendation: Buy
I Hate Fairyland #2: Just so twisted. And so much fun. Foulmouthed pint sized twisted fun. Overall Rating: 8.1 Recommendation: Buy
Jughead #2: The second issue continues to deliver mixing “real world” high school life with Jughead’s fantasies. Just a great blend and interesting type of storytelling. Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation: Read
Pawn Shop: A series of interconnecting stories that’s heart touching and a fantastic read for those who like a slice of life story. This is one of the few comics I’ve read multiple times, and I feel like I catch something new each time. Overall Rating: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
The Paybacks #3: One of the funniest comics out there and such a great series. Mixes action, laughs, and superheroes perfectly. Overall Rating: 8.3 Recommendation: Buy
Star Wars: Kanan #8: The best Star Wars comic out there right now. Based on Star Wars: Rebels, it’s giving us some great history before Episode III and between Episode III and IV. Overall Rating: 8.4 Recommendation: Buy
Transformers: Robots in Disguise #47: What should Optimus do next? This issue is laying the groundwork for that, and it’s interesting. Overall Rating: 8.1 Recommendation: Read
Elana
Constantine #6*: Consistently one of the best comics from DC or Marvel. Issue 6 is a perfect jumping on point for anyone who missed the earlier series. John takes his exorcism skills on tour through the 5 boroughs of NYC serving a realistic range of customers including party demons in Bushwick (lord knows, I’ve been there). The episode is funny with a dark foreboding at its core. Some force seems to want John to connect with that nice, hot, normal restaurant owner/chef he flirted with. John knows that everyone who gets close to him gets hurt. But being alone hurts too. Overall Rating: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Jughead #2: Tons of fun. I’m totally new to this series and I’m enjoying it immensely. Expressive, funny art from Erica Henderson is a perfect fit for Zdarsky’s jokes. Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Pretty Deadly #6: A whole new chapter of the story starts here. Still poetic and atmospheric the setting is shifting to the battlefields of World War 1. Rios’ art is moody and creative. It looks like no other comic on the stands and is the reason I’m giving this an Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Spider-Woman #1*. I’m all for stories about pregnant superheros and super-heroes who become parents. The Danny Rand/ Misty Knight love story in Secret Wars Secret Loves was the best thing in the whole mega-event. But I don’t know why Spider-Woman is having a baby. It’s a character who has specifically said she didn’t want kids in the past. I’m not saying that pronouncements are set in stone. But I need the comic to do a better job of selling me on this. Right now it still feels like a violation of her spirit.
If Roger (aka Porcupine) is the dad I’m going to punch a wall. Heck, even if Ben Urich is (and he’s a great character who I’ve enjoyed for years) I’ll also be pissed. To be honest, I hope we never know. I like her independent dammit! Jessica Drew is one of my favorite super heroes. I never identified with her or anything, I just appreciated how shameless she was about loving her powers.
At least her clothes are realistic clothes for a grown woman. Sad that drawing that still feels like an achievement.
Overall Rating: 3 but I’m willing to be convinced later. Maybe.
Mr H
Batman and Robin Eternal #7*: Continuing off last weeks strong showing, this issue jumps Team Robin back in the drivers seat following trails of breadcrumbs to Prague. We get a little more insight to Mother and a scene where Bruce Wayne tries to set up a meeting with her. We also get a fun interrogation team up with Jason and Tim and a fun cliffhanger. Story moved well and art was fluid. Another good showing this week. Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Extraordinary X-Men #2*: Seeing the X-Men use a reconstituted Sentinel as Cerebra is pretty cool. I enjoyed the issue quite a bit. Yes it feels like business as usual with the X-Men still hated and M-Pox seems like a retread of the Legacy Virus, but this time it seems more dire. Jean throwing away a “normal” life to do the right thing only to be unappreciated was a nice touch. I am enjoying Old Man Logan’s inclusion too. So while it doesn’t feel completely “All-New” it was new enough. Ramos and Lemire are a great team. I hope they stay on the title for a while. Plus bearded Colosus is awesome. Overall Rating: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write.
Please note that with some of the above comics, Graphic Policy was provided FREE copies for review. Where we purchased the comics, you’ll see an asterisk (*). If you don’t see that, you can infer the comic was a review copy. In cases where we were provided a review copy and we also purchased the comic you’ll see two asterisks (**).
Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling short reviews from the staff of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full review for. These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews.
Alex
All-New Wolverine #1* – Was a pleasant surprise for me. I wasn’t that interested in X23 as a character before, so this comic was never that high on my radar (unlike the Old Man Logan series that’s due to hit in a couple months). Elana convinced me to pick this up, and I’m glad she did. This first issue is one of the best of the All New All Different offerings from Marvel that I’ve read in the last month or two, and it’s a damn good Wolverine story, too that has just the right combination of action and inner conflict. Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy.
Batman #46* – If you’ve been reading this series, there’s no reason for you not to pick this up. Not my favourite issue by this creative team, but still better than most other Batman books out there. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Read
Heroes: Vengence #2 – I really wanted to like this series as much as I did the Heroes Reborn TV show. Not quite there yet, but it’s getting closer. It may be worth waiting for the trade, but there’s some interesting back ground here for fans of the show. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read
Brett
Abe Sapien #28 – Abe is still figuring out his role in the world as he continues his cross country trip. The series has been interesting in that its provided a way for us to see more of the country and the hellish landscape. Each series arc is much stronger than the individual issues, and this one begins a new one that could be interesting. Overall Rating: 7.25 Recommendation: Read
All-New Wolverine #1 *- A ho-hum start that glosses over X-23’s abusive and killer past. She should not be this chill. Plus the ending reminded me WAY too much of Orphan Black. Overall Rating: 7 Recommendation: Read
Birthright #11 – Sword and sorcery fun in the “real” world. Joshua Williamson has been putting together an entertaining series backed up with solid art. Plus a solid twist in this issue where we learn more about the Nevermind. Overall Rating: 8.23 Recommendation: Read
Letter 44 #21 – Ryan Kelly steps in on art in this special issue that looks at how the Clarke astronauts were recruited. It’s an amazing comic that intelligently adds so much depth to each character. Overall Rating: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Oxymoron: The Loveliest Nightmare #3 – Oh what a messed up comic (and series in general). This is the Joker with no limits, and the body count and sadism is proof. Overall Rating: 7.8 Recommendation: Read
Rebels #8 – Two standalone stories in this issue. One focuses on a woman who runs a print shop in occupied Boston and the other is about a freed slave who fights on the British side. While touching upon history, the comic isn’t actual history. But, each issue makes me want to find out more. And the art is solid as usual. Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation: Read
Southern Bastards #12– Continues to be one of the best comics on the market. Jason Latour writes this one which… well it’s best to just read it. However, it’s amazing how much he made me actually feel sorry for someone who almost beats to death a kid. Overall Rating: 9 Recommendation: Buy
The Walking Dead #148** – The series continues to build, and looks like it’ll explode soon. That ending is amazing. Overall Rating: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Zodiac Starforce #3 – The series is fun, but feels a bit like 80s cartoons in that it’s not too deep. I think this issue is where I see that the most. It’s still fun, but some of the dialogue is a little stilted, much like 80s cartoons. A fun series and read. Overall Rating: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
Elana
All-New Wolverine#1*is the best Wolverine comic in a generation. It’s version of Laura is one of the most richly written female heroes around. But it also serves as a Wolverine comic in the classic sense. She IS Wolverine. She is wrestling with a lot of the same issues Logan always has yet she is handling them from the perspective of a young woman. I truly appreciate her wearing the classic Wolverine costume and realistic street clothes which suit her personality rather then being out of character cheesecake as is often the case. I think its a must for both fans of Wolverine and fans of complex female leads. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy!
Zodiac Starforce # 2 & 3 – Charming and inventive all ages comic with a kick-ass diverse and distinctive cast. Your sure to have a favorite to identify with (and that almost never happens to me). Feels a bit like a technicolor Buffy for kids. The stakes feel pretty high. And of course we’re cheering for Lily and Savannah’s adorable romance. Overall an 8 especially for kids.
Mr. H
Batman and Robin Eternal #6* – Ok now we are talking! Best issue since the first. Maybe it’s the addition of Tony Daniel’s art being back but this issue stood out. The parallel between Bruce’s fear over Mother engineering orphans into what she wants and what he could be doing with young Dick Grayson’s future was powerful. Finally we have a potential Bat villain with long reaching scope. I also enjoyed our current Bruce Wayne at peace. To me this was one of the single best Bat books I’ve read this year. Score: 9 Recomendation: Buy
Secret Wars #7* – So finally things are starting to unravel for God Doom. This issue had a lot of action, it just didn’t grab me that much. Great visuals by Essad Ribic. What a talent he is. Reed Richards’ contingency plan was intriguing but I want more. However seeing T’Challa with an Infinity Gauntlet was way cool. Looking forward to The Thing cutting lose next issue. Score: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
Paul
Squadron Sinister #4* – Nighthawk finally makes his move to take over Utopolis and to do that, he needs to take out Hyperion. The action was so so and Nighthawk wins…just in time for the Thors to arrive and arrest him for his actions against Battleworld. He is tried by God Doom, and Warrior Woman is responsible for the final nail in his coffin. Nighthawk is sentenced to life beyond the shield. A group of Starbrands attempt to liberate Utopolis, but the citizens rebel, saying they had it better under the rule of Hyperion. Yawn..nothing exciting and a less then stellar conclusion. Overall: 5 Recommendation: Read, but only if you’ve followed the series.
Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write.
Please note that with some of the above comics, Graphic Policy was provided FREE copies for review. Where we purchased the comics, you’ll see an asterisk (*). If you don’t see that, you can infer the comic was a review copy. In cases where we were provided a review copy and we also purchased the comic you’ll see two asterisks (**).
It’s new comic book day tomorrow and we’ll have our picks for what we’re excited for in a few hours. Until then, here’s some interesting news from around the web in our morning roundup.
It was new comic book day yesterday! What’d everyone enjoy reading? While you decide on that, here’s some news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.
Huck #1 is fantastic. This is an innocent tale of hope and the inherent goodness of one man; that it comes from the man behind Kick-Ass surprises me greatly. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Spider-Woman #1*. I’m all for stories about pregnant superheros and super-heroes who become parents. The Danny Rand/ Misty Knight love story in Secret Wars Secret Loves was the best thing in the whole mega-event. But I don’t know why Spider-Woman is having a baby. It’s a character who has specifically said she didn’t want kids in the past. I’m not saying that pronouncements are set in stone. But I need the comic to do a better job of selling me on this. Right now it still feels like a violation of her spirit.
Rebels #8 – Two standalone stories in this issue. One focuses on a woman who runs a print shop in occupied Boston and the other is about a freed slave who fights on the British side. While touching upon history, the comic isn’t actual history. But, each issue makes me want to find out more. And the art is solid as usual. Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation: Read
All-New Wolverine #1* is the best Wolverine comic in a generation. It’s version of Laura is one of the most richly written female heroes around. But it also serves as a Wolverine comic in the classic sense. She IS Wolverine. She is wrestling with a lot of the same issues Logan always has yet she is handling them from the perspective of a young woman. I truly appreciate her wearing the classic Wolverine costume and realistic street clothes which suit her personality rather then being out of character cheesecake as is often the case. I think its a must for both fans of Wolverine and fans of complex female leads. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy!